Ribbon steamer



Feb. 3. 1925. v 1,525,389

J. D. HORTON RIBBON STEAMER Filed May 3, 1923 I avwentoz Patented Feb. 3, 1925.

UNITED STATES JESSE I). HORTON, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

RIBBON STEAMER.

Application filed May 3,

To all 10/2 am it may 0011061 72 Be it known that I, Jnssn D. HORTON, a citizen of the United States, residing in New York, county of Bronx, State of New York, have invented a certain Improvement in Ribbon Steamers, of which the following is a specification.

The present invention relates to an improved means for utilizing steam in the ironing and renovation of ribbons and other fabrics; and more particularly to a cheap, convenient and effective attachment adapted to be slipped over the spout of an ordinary kettle, whereby the steam escaping from the spout may be made useful for the above named purpose.

This is in part a continuation of my prior application for ribbon steamers, Serial No. 516,307, filed November 19, 1921, which has been abandoned.

The invention is illustrated in a preferred form in the accompanying drawings, wherein Figure 1 is a side elevation of the attachment for kettles, Figure 2 is a View looking into the same indicated by the arrow in Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a sectional view of the steam chamber taken on the line 3-3 in Figure The attachment is preferably made of thin metal shaped at one end 10 to fittightly over the spout 11 of a kettle; while the forward or outer end of the attachment is flattened at 12 (see Figure 3).

A passage for steam is thus provided which has a narrow elongated exit 13 (Figure 2). Upon the outer end of the attachment is fitted a flaring portion, affording two straight rounded rubbing edges 14, enclosing a trough-shaped expansion chamber 17 (see Figure 3). In the particular form shown, the rubbing edges 14 are joined at the two ends of the trough 15, so as to make a chamber which is only open at the top.

In using this device, the attachment is placed upon the spout of a kettle, as shown, while the water in the kettle is boiling so as to discharge steam through the narrow opening 13. The ribbon or other fabric is then drawn back and forth across the rubbing edges 14: and over the expansion chamber 15 between them, with the result that all wrinkles are quickly and permanently removed.

I am aware that it has been proposed to 1923. Serial No. 636,346.

use a narrow elongated steam-discharge opening for treating ribbons, but I have found in practice that, where the ribbon is applied directly to such an aperture, the 'eflect is practically nil. The steam must be given achance moderately to expand after leaving the exit and before it is effective, and the chamber 15 is provided for this purpose, and to confine the steam when it has reached the proper degree of expansion. This will differ for different purposes and different pressures. For atmospheric pressure and on an ordinary kettle, a depth of about a half inch is found effective for most purposes, the width of the chamber being about twice the depth. These proportions are, of course, not essential. The rubbing edges should be rounded, so as not to fray the fabric, and for this purpose I have found it convenient simply to roll over the top edges of the chamber 15, as shown.

In using this device the fabric is placed over the trough 15 and drawn back and forth in the position. exemplified by. the dotted lines in Figure 3.

It has been found in practice that the structure shown acts automatically to adapt the degree of moisture to the thickness of the fabric. Where a thin fabric, like a silk ribbon is used, the amount of moisture needed is less than where a thicker fabric, like woolen cloth is to be treated. In the former case the steam naturally escapes more quickly than in the latter, and less condensation takes place.

lVhere a thicker fabric is used, it has been found that a material amount of water of condensation gathers along the rubbing edges, and there is thus automatically supplied the added moisturenecessary for iron ing out the wrinkles in such thicker fabric.

What is claimed is A steaming and ironing apparatus comprising a long narrow trough having an unrestricted opening at the top and having a confining wall with edges terminating in substantially the same plane all around it, said trough having a steam admission opening of a width narrower than the width of the top of the trough and extending lengthwise of the same.

In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand on this 26th day of April, 1923.

JESSE D. HORTON. 

